After a long summer sabbatical, Lingerie La Femme is back! And there's so much to catch up on in the world of lingerie and intimates...

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Today marks the 4 year anniversary of Lingerie La Femme! In 2014 I launched Lingerie La Femme as an online magazine dedicated to creating exclusive and unique content and promoting diversity, body positivity and luxurious intimates. My first and foremost goal was to utilise my skills as an ex-photographer to produce beautiful and diverse lingerie editorials - casting a diverse mix of models, using little or no photo-shop and shooting women in less passive, objectifying situations. After working predominately for Men's magazines for quite a few years I wanted to create beautiful, inclusive and positive lingerie imagery that celebrated the actual lingerie and the woman wearing it and not just her body.

My secondary motive was to explore the lingerie industry - to give myself a reason (and permission) to really dive into the world of lingerie and swimwear. Besides shooting a couple of lingerie brand campaigns and one trade editorial I knew very little about the lingerie industry and I had always wanted to know more. Being a workaholic, I couldn't just spend hours researching lingerie brands, reading articles and watching documentaries for fun... but - if it was for Lingerie La Femme - I could allow myself the luxury!

Lingerie La Femme has led to lots fun, opportunities and two eye-opening industry jobs. Finally this summer I decided to follow my passion and I left my job to study Fashion Contour. Now that I'm enrolled on a full-time degree, the content of lingerie la femme is going to change a little. There will be further focus on the creative and technical aspects of lingerie, more posts on lingerie making, uni projects, personal posts and non-exclusive editorials. To put it simply it will become more of a conventional blog and less of a magazine.... However it will still be a blog 100% devoted to promoting diversity, body positivity and luxurious intimates.

Les Girls Les Boys | Like many lingerie fanatics, I very eagerly awaited the launch of Les Girls Les Boys by Serena Rees, the co-founder of Agent Provocateur. I heard the term 'gender-fluid' and imagined all sorts of boundary pushing, innovative and tasteful creations. I am not entirely sure of what exactly I expected but it was definitely something a little less....boring. I find myself underwhelmed by the collection but still hopeful that something interesting and maybe revelational will come out of it...

The lingerie industry is much more than Victoria's Secret, Agent Provocateur and La Perla. Beyond the big name corporations there are thousands of small brands, designers and companies working to change the intimate apparel industry. More and more companies are flexing their economical, political, environmental and social consciousness by offering women much more than just bras and briefs by using their profits to further benefit women. Scroll down to view a few of these companies making a difference....

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BEHIND BRAS

A social enterprise creating beautiful lingerie to support women as they transition from prison to find meaningful employment in the fashion, retail and creative industries. Did you know less than 10% of women who leave prison find a job? This brand believes every woman deserves a second chance and 100% of profits from each bra goes straight back into BehindBras to help and support women in prison to find meaningful employment when they leave.

BLUEBELLA

Bluebella believes public workers deserve luxurious and desirable lingerie too. At great prices. So they have joined with Heart Cart to offer a special discounts for public workers. Anyone working in the NHS, armed forces, local government, police or fire service in the UK can get 15% off any order at Bluebella.

THE PANTS PROJECT

Helping women feel strong and beautiful through the power of pants, no matter what fertility issues they're facing. Launched in December 2016, the Pants Project sources beautiful lingerie from all over the world with a percentage of the profits from each pair sold goes towards Fertility Network UK, the UK's leading national patient fertility charity. Their goal is to raise funds and awareness for those with fertility issues- whatever they might be. Since launching they have hosted a Valentines Pants Party Auction, selling stunning and unique knickers by top UK lingerie designers, an online auction and have raised 5K and plenty of exposure for the charity.

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NAJA

Naja is Columbian lingerie label changing the way women shop for lingerie as well as changing the industry as a whole through the company's dedication to changing women's lives. Naja's garment factory primarily employs single mothers or female heads of households where they are paid above market wages with healthcare benefits. At Naja, they've implemented flexible work policies that make it easier for women to balance work and childcare. Every child of a Naja garment worker recieves books, school supplies, uniforms and all school meals paid by Naja.

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SMALLS FOR ALL

Smalls for All is a Scottish Charity which collects and distributes underwear to help women and children in Africa. The company helps those living in orphanages, slums, IDP camps and schools, as well as providing underwear to hospitals to help those suffering from medical conditions like obstetric fistula. Additionally they have also established an education programme to support some of the poorest children by helping them to gain access to education.

Bra Wars documents Hollywood's affair with the bra. It's a light and entertaining film, featuring everything from 1920's breast suppressing bandeau bras and the bullet bras of the 50's to present day tech-enhanced creations.

The perfect weekend watch for any lingerie enthusiast!

ABOUT THE FILM:

Bra Wars discovers the exciting interactions between Hollywood's dream factory and the item of clothing.

The item of clothing, which mainly shapes the image of females today, is the bra. A bra is a phantasm, a promise of what is underneath. Hollywood's dream factory knew how to profit from this promise. They created individual lingerie for their movie goddesses and presented it publicly at its best. Divas became role models and the lingerie items became drafts for mass production.

The documentary is about the cross relation of lingerie, pop and movies and discusses lingerie, bras and sexy outfits as a symbol of female sexuality and how it is used, perceived and shown in the movies.

It is explored through both modern and traditional lenses and discussed as an empowering, dis-powering and controlling tool for both sexes.
Examples from Louise Brooks, Jayne Mansfield, Marilyn Monroe, Marlene Dietrich, Madonna, Nicole Kidman and others are shown in interviews with film directors, actresses, artists and film historians.

Do you know of any other lingerie documentaries? feel free to share below...

Everything that is hot and happening in the world of lingerie...

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Storm in a D Cup | June Kenton

'Storm in a D-Cup' is the autobiography of June Kenton, the driving force behind Rigby & Peller, one of the most famous luxury lingerie retailers in the world. With an enviable client list that includes some of the world’s most iconic women, June has devoted her life to extolling the virtues of a properly-fitted and well-styled bra.

From her early days trading from an open-fronted shop in Brixton, to being royally-appointed as the corsetiere to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, June’s heart-warming and absorbing story shows that with a bit of grit and determination, anything is possible!

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Le Boutique Bazaar

Sunday 2nd April | McQueen Shoreditch, London

Le Boutique Bazaar features a curated selection of 40+ designers representing underground fashion & all things daring- think couture latex, custom corsetry, elaborate headdresses, tempting lingerie, luxury leather goods, and exotic jewels.... they have created a decadent and interactive atmosphere across 3 sumptuous floors, where you can browse, buy, flirt, drink and have fun with like-minded and inspiring people of all types..

Bonjour!

This weekend we visited the famous Salon International de la Lingerie trade show in Paris. Hundreds of lingerie, swimwear, loungewear and hosiery brands from across the globe exhibited their AW17 collections. We search for the most innovative and beautiful brands and have handpicked our top 10 labels...

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While underwear as outerwear is not a new phenomenon, 2016 has certainly been the year of revealing ruffles, silk slips and elegant exposure.

From luxurious loungewear to seductive suits and floor skimming sheer gowns, underpinnings have been utilised to elevate any ensemble.

For a unforgettable New Year's Eve outfit, we take inspiration from the most seductive stars...

Izabel Goulart

While attending the screening of Julieta at the Cannes Film Festival in May, Izabel Goulart layered a sweeping blush-hued silk satin robe over an intricately beaded bustier.

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Susan Sarandon

Susan Sarandon caused a social media backlash and misogynist stir at this year's Screen Actors Guild Awards. The Oscar-winning actor wore a white, double-breasted, buttoned-up Max Mara suit with a visible black bra underneath. Many misogynists couldn't handle her 69-year old cleavage but we (and every sane person) thought she looked stunning in her seductive and sophisticated ensemble.

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Ashley Graham

At the launch of her new lingerie line at Nordstrom this year, Ashley Graham wore a mid-length black pencil skirt and a sheer top over Adina Reay's Fran black balcony bra. It is not the first time this year Ashley Graham has worn lingerie as outwear and it is great to see her supporting an independent UK lingerie designer.

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Kendall Jenner

Lace bralets have been hugely popular this year and none more so than Kendall's favourite Anine Bing bra. First worn at Coachella, Kendall has been spotted wearing it on several occasions. Our favourite look is her 90's over-a-plain-white-tee pairing.

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Katy Perry

Bella Hadid

At the launch party in honour of the 272-page Rizzoli tome, Dior: The Art of Color, Bella Hadid worn a lingerie inspired outfit. A stunning floor-skimming creation of nude polka dot tulle and boning over a crisp white menswear inspired lingerie set.

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Dascha Polanco

At the VH1 Hip Hop Honors Awards in July, Orange Is The New Black actress, Dascha Polanco looked sensational in a sheer patterned peach-coloured bodysuit which revealed her matching lingerie set.

LINGERIE LA FEMME EXCLUSIVE EDITORIAL

We believe everyday lingerie should feel good and look good.

We all know that natural fabrics are more breathable and better for vaginal health, while Synthetic fabrics trap heat and moisture, making your underwear an optimal breeding ground for bacteria.

We understand the practical idea of choosing 100% cotton lingerie isn't always the most stylish option. So after some extensive research we handpicked several brands offering 100% cotton lingerie that is both sensible and chic...

"Yoga takes you into the present moment. The only place life exists."

The gesture NAMASTE represents the belief that there is a Divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart chakra. The gesture is an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another. “Nama” means bow, “as” means I, and “te” means you. Therefore, Namaste literally means “bow me you” or “I bow to you.”

The silk camisole is this season's hottest wardrobe staple; Effortlessly chic and perfect for both day and night. It's the ideal layering piece - as versatile as the British weather.

Here are 4 ways to wear yours this summer ...

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ON IT'S OWN

Pair with jeans for a simple and sophisticated look. This outfit can easily take you from desk to dance floor, simply swap out your shoes and accessories for a completely new feel. Or team with a lace bralet for a more seductive style.

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ON TOP OF A TEE

Recreate Cher Horowitz's tennis court ensemble with the iconic 90's cami-over-tee combo. Now that silk camisoles and slip dresses are returning to fashion, it seems as good a time as ever to revive the throwback trend.

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OVER A SHIRT

This summer's equivalent to Autumn/Winters's sweater-over-shirt combo. Nothing feels better than a crisp white shirt on a warm day and this look is great for the office.

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WITH A POLO NECK

Another 90s favourite - layer your cami over a polo neck. It will give your outfit a whole new twist and will keep you warm on those inevitable cooler days of summer.

Fleur of England is a luxuriously feminine label known for exquisite designs and elegant lace. An intimates brand that is quintessentially English and sold in elite boutiques worldwide.

Read on for our exclusive interview with Fleur Turner, the woman behind the label...

When did you start the brand?

The concept for the brand started whilst I was at university. I studied Fashion Marketing at the University of Newcastle; it was such a great course in that it was really creative yet still had a business element. It was totally me in a nutshell and I threw myself into it and loved every minute of it! In the final year I got to create my own brand and collection and that's really what started things off for me.

I have always been interested in femininity and lingerie. The brand was simply a natural progression - all my designs, my handwriting and everything I drew and painted were all quite feminine. I was obsessed with fabric - silk, lace and georgette so I wanted to create a label that encapsulated all the things I love.

I officially launched Fleur T, which was the beginning of Fleur of England in 2000. My first lingerie trade show was in Harrogate and the Liberty buyer came along and loved it! They commissioned a limited edition collection to launch their new lingerie department. It was amazing opportunity for me and absolutely brilliant for the brand, everything just spring boarded after that.

What was your history before the brand?

Straight after university, while I always knew I wanted to launch my own label, I knew I needed to work in the industry for a couple of years. It's incredibly difficult to launch a business straight out of university and I needed to learn more - I wanted to see how other people did it. With my brand in the back on my mind, I really wanted to focus of understanding the technical aspects of lingerie and knowing how the garments were made - I wanted to get right down to that detail.

My first job was with a company that were a supplier to Marks & Spencer. I was in London 3 days per week and in Somerset 2 days a week. I found it fantastic, as I love being in the countryside. That company was where I learnt all of my technical skills and I became more of a technical lingerie designer rather than somebody just experienced in the marketing and business side of design.

After that, I went to work in Hong Kong for a year, which was fascinating - you can't get more of a mass production environment than that! I was working in a factory on the design team. I was focusing on the UK high street and designing pieces for English retailers. China is vast in terms of the production and these factories run on a huge scale. I knew it wasn't what I wanted for my own label but it was great to simply experience it.

What was your inspiration when conceptualising Fleur T?

With Fleur T, I knew I wanted to create something that was completely European. I manufactured in the UK to begin with and I wanted to use very luxurious European fabrics. I wanted to make it high end but not as expensive as Agent Provocateur and La Perla - that’s where I saw the gap in the market for Fleur T.

There is a word that we use - it was, and still is, our DNA. The word is 'Exquisite'. Everything we do has to be exquisite, from the lingerie down to packing a parcel - even if it's just to send to the factory. It runs through everything thing we do and is an essential part our design process. If we're looking at something and trying to narrow down options we ask 'is it exquisite, yes or no?' If yes, that’s good! If no, we do it again.

Tell me about the changes in 2007?

The brand was doing so well and, as it was just me and one other at the beginning, we had to do absolutely everything. In 2007, I had my first child, George, and it was at that point that I decided to grow the business and expand the team. I realised I could no longer do everything when I was responsible for another human being! Growing the team was great for the business as the new people brought in new ideas and perspectives.

It also gave me the opportunity to reflect a little bit, I was only away for a month after giving birth but it made me realise that I wanted to rebrand. Although we had a really luxurious product - Fleur T wasn't doing it justice. The name felt a bit too bit young and people often mistook it for 'Flirty'. After doing plenty of market research and focus groups we decided to rebrand as Fleur of England. The name is a much more sophisticated, elegant, luxury and, importantly, shows that we are British.

It was fantastic for the company, we got lots more international business and launched a second e-commerce website - we really haven't looked back! The business is growing year on year. There are 7 of us working full-time but there can be up to 12 or 13 staff during busy periods.

Tell me about your collections and what inspires them?

We have 2 seasons (Spring/Summer & Autumn/Winter) with 4 collection in each season. We've also just launched our resort line as well with 2 additional collections.

I am inspired constantly and a lot of my ideas come organically from my living my life. Sometimes my collections grow from my obsessions. For instance - rose gold, I'm in love with the colour at the moment and I just had to incorporate it into a collection! Also, while I was renovating my house, I became obsessed with ceiling roses. They're so beautiful and intricate I ended up designing a collection with ceiling roses in mind.

The Cotswolds inspired our SS16 collections. As a family we're always outside and we particularly love walking in the countryside. I enjoy growing vegetables in my garden and I love being outside at every possible opportunity. SS16 is an easy breezy, luxurious season.

Describe your design process?

I start my design process with the colour; I put the colours into work before I do any sketches! Then come the fabrics and the embroidery design. It's only once I have all the fabric in front of me I start designing the collection. It's a mixture of sketching and draping on the mannequin. Sketchbooks are how I communicate my designs and ideas but in lingerie the scale of a piece is so critical you really need work with a mannequin rather than just on paper.

Tell me about your new swimwear line?

We have just launched our new swimwear range Resort by Fleur. Customers have been asking for a swim collection for a while and the timing finally felt right. Inspired by sea and nature, I designed the collection and a beautiful bespoke print using the ancient Japanese technique of Marbling. It was so relaxing, I did it over two days and my boys had a go with me. Their designs were a little crazy but it was nice to develop my patterns with my kids. Once I felt I had something, Jenny (my assistant designer) put it into Photoshop and worked with it.

The most important thing when developing the swimwear collection was the fit - everything that is important with the lingerie had to translate into the swimwear as well. I chose a specific European fabric; it's beautiful and made in Italy. It's woven as opposed to knitted, which gives it all these amazing properties - its machine washable, anti-wrinkle, UV resistant, dries really quickly and is ok with suntan lotion. Everything has been analysed and scrutinised over. We've also done towels and everything comes packaged in this beautiful bag that is clear and you can even take through the airport with you.

What fabrics do you use and why?

This is my obsession! I love lace - French leavers lace, Chantilly lace and embroidery. I sketch and design all my own embroideries. I love delicate fabrics and invisible tulle. There is something really nice about the reveal and conceal - the fabrics are almost sculpting the body.

I love the shine, sparkle and lustre of silk - it's like a prism of light, when the light shines on it, it just comes alive! I also like silk georgette but it's got to have stretch in it for the fit to be right, that's why we always make sure it has 5% Lycra.

One of my favourites is a pink French Chantilly lace; it almost looks like a tattoo and is so delicate. It's knitted on vintage looms over 100years old. I've been over to the factory in France and seen them - they're huge wooden machines and the pattern in knitted by computer. It's expensive as it is so delicate and takes a long time to make. All the little treads are clipped by hand and it has to be knitted slowly as, if one of the needles breaks, there would be a hole in the lace. The whole time there is somebody walking up and down checking the needles while the lace is being knitted, it's fascinating!

I've also been to Switzerland to see embroideries being made. It gives you an understanding and respect for the fabric and materials you use. If you're a designer, once you know how your materials are being made, it develops your love for them even more. I hope that translates into my designs and the end wearing will love the product as much as I do.

What sizes do you produce?

For bras we start with a 30A and go up to a 36DD. Sizing completely depends of the type of kind your choosing, we have 3 types of bra - the plunge, the balcony and the triangle so we have something that will fit a variety of shapes and sizes. For everything else we carry small (8-10UK), medium (10-12) and large (12-14). Fit is incredibly important to us and we have worked hard to make sure our products fit well on a variety of women. We've also put together a guide on the website for our customers and a Youtube video on how to fit a bra.

Do you have a typical type of customer?

We have 4 customer personas that actually buy Fleur of England and a lot of men buy for their wives or girlfriends. The one thing they all have in common is that they're all perfectionists. If you're paying for luxury lingerie - it's got to be prefect, it's got to fit perfectly, it's got to be comfortable and it's got to be beautiful and look effortless. That's why they buy our lingerie.

Do you have an ideal celebrity customer?

We have plenty of ideal celebrity customers and some of them already own our pieces. Celebrities such as Millie Mackintosh, Anne Hathaway and Kourtney Kardashian all wear Fleur of England. They're ideal as they're all sexy, confident women.

I would absolutely love to see Lady Gaga in one of our pieces; I'd enjoy designing something really off the wall for her. As a designer it would be the perfect commission in terms of creativity!

Do you have a muse?

I wouldn't be able to name one person specifically but the women around me - my friends and my team, continually inspire me. Some of the team are young girls and it's always interesting to bounce ideas off each other and discover new perspectives.

What is your biggest career moment?

I had to opportunity to introduce my mum to Princess Anne - It was pretty amazing!.. Definitely one of those 'pinch me' moments in life! I'm proud of the awards I have won and, of course, my team - it's taken me 15years but I have the most amazing team to work with me. They're all awesome and I feel that’s a huge achievement. I'm lucky to have found people who really enjoy what we do and are really passionate about it.

What do you think is the hardest hurdle when setting up a brand?

Manufacturing! I used to have to be in the factory all the time; I was virtually based in the factory making sure that everything was exactly the way I wanted. You can't send something out if it's not right and it was an incredibly frustrating but very essential part of the process.

Do you have any favourite brands you love to buy yourself?

I've just found this amazing home wares brand in the US called Jonathan Adler; I'm very inspired by his interiors. In terms of fashion I love feminine labels such as Alberta Ferretti, Chloe and Stella McCartney's outerwear.

To find out more about Fleur of England's exquisite collections visit their website.

Sir Plus is a UK brand that makes ethical exceptional quality clothing and intimates with cabbage. By cabbage I don’t mean the leafy kind - cabbage is an industry term used to describe surplus fabric that’s left over after an order has been made up.

In the UK it is estimated that more than 1 million tonnes of fabric is thrown away every year and recovery and recycling provides important environmental benefits:

It reduces the need for landfill space. Synthetic man-made fibres do not decompose and while woollen fibres do decompose - they produce methane which contributes to global warming.

Additionally recycling surplus fabric results in less pollution and energy saving, as fibres do not have to be manufactured and transported from abroad.

By forming contacts with many of the major factories and fabric dealers across England, Sir Plus have acquired access to the finest quality fabrics; in an extensive variety of prints and styles.

LINGERIE LA FEMME EXCLUSIVE EDITORIAL

Working from home is a blessing - there’s no tiring commute, plenty of home comforts and you can wear what you like. But if you’re not careful you can find yourself stressed, un-showered and still in your pyjamas at 2 o’clock in the afternoon!

Regardless of how strong your work ethic it’s important to take the time and maintain your morning routine. What you do (or don’t do) and what you wear has a massive influence your mood and productivity.

Your working-from-home wardrobe should be both comfortable AND make you feel amazing. So for this week’s editorial we chose a selection of luxurious loungewear that will leave you feeling stylish not sloppy.*

Happy Valentine's Day! This year, forget heels and expensive restaurants - in true Sunday style spend the day of love in your loungewear. Enjoy a romantic day at home - staying in bed till noon, cooking a mimosa brunch together and simply giving each other your undivided attention...